North Sulawesi

North Sulawesi

Description

This area has existed for a long, long time. Due to its strategic location, North Sulawesi has gotten contacts with outside world since the dawn of time. Sangir-Talaud island group created a bridge to the neighboring country, Philippines. Therefore culture between this place and Philippines, including the people, are quite similar. Influenced heavily by the Dutch occupation in the past, most older generation can still speak Dutch and respect this country.

History

Some kingdoms existed in the past, such as Manado, Tabukan, Siau, Kolongan, Tahuna, Kendahe and Manganitu. Portuguese first arrived in 16th century, for trading and spreading Christianity. When the Portuguese went away, Spain came instead, bringing Catholicism with them. In the middle of 17th century, Dutch influence became prominent until Japan came and took over for a short while. Dissatisfied, after Japan lost in WW2, Dutch tried to colonize this place again and even creating a puppet country. The locals opposed this, and in 1950 Sulawesi became a part of Indonesia. North Sulawesi became a separate province in 1964.

Entry

Merpati services flights to and from Manado. Lion Air holds flights weekly to and from Gorontalo and Makassar. Sriwijaya Air also offers flights to Makassar.

North Sulawesi is also reachable by boats and ships. Two ports, namely Talumolo for Togeans and Leato for Pagimana and Pelni ferries are located about 4 km away from Gorontalo.

North Sulawesi is accessible by bus from Palu.

People & Culture

Predominantly inhabited by Minahasans and Sangirese, other smaller ethnic groups can also be found within this region.

Cuisine

Spicy and unique, those two words comprise the taste of dishes found here. Rica-rica is a name of condiment or sauce that virtually can be applied into many things--be it chicken, fish, pork, even dog (called r.w. or air weh). Bubur tinotuan or bubur Manado, made of rice, corn, veggies are best eaten with a special chili sauce. Bats are also eaten here.

Saguer or fermented sago wine should be sampled if you are into alcoholic beverages, and Cap Tikus (or Rat Brand) is a name of distilled saguer, sold with numbers attached denoting strength, no. 1 being the strongest. It's often diluted and mixed with fruit juices to create some kind of cocktail.